After being one of the great surprise stories in 2002, the Atlanta Falcons fell apart in 2003. Losing Michael Vick to a fractured right fibula in the preseason ruined what should have been an exciting season. A 5-11 campaign put them in a position to draft a potential game changer with the eighth pick. The opportunity to select one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects ever was there for the taking. There was no looking back after taking DeAngelo Hall.
It was another Virginia Tech player that came with a major pedigree. They couldn’t pass on a first-team All-American, who was a big-play machine.